If you are scared the property wont close escrow than you shouldnt be asking a contractor to take that risk. 

@Matt Jackson the only thing that scares some investors about condos is HOA fees and their random assessments.

, then pay it off entirely with your 6th payment, and boom our cute & scared little HELOC is now front and center, in 1st position, and doesn't even know it should have stage fright and is still comfy and happy.Next part of your question, a HELOC that is open but with zero balance DOES count as a financed property but if you can close without using that HELOC than it will NOT count in your DTI.Something AMAZING that sometimes happens is you sell a property with a HELOC on it, is that once in a while it never occurs to the HELOC lender to close the line of credit.

I'm just scared to start, and really want to mostly flip or also rent (anything that doesn't require using interest at all, not sure if there's any sectors of real estate that do not use any interest procedures).

She and I bought a few houses but sold just before the bust for profit because of her health.

They're also more difficult to obtain financing for as many lenders are scared away by them.

Tell them your going to call the health department about the bedbugs and other issues within x days, if they don't release you from the lease within 30 full calendar days, and refund your deposit.

I've often found those making offers always trying to hit home runs, and overpaying as a result. they often do so because they are attempting to mitigate perceived risk. maybe work in areas others aren't or wont (often because they are greedy or scared or both), Maybe concentrate on places with smaller returns, and do more of them.

Between getting married, a large downsize and moving, family health concerns with several family members, and sailboat racing I have not had the progress I wanted by this point.

Account ClosedPlease don't let the large base interested in residential scare you off.